EU Naval Force - Somalia
Operation ATALANTA

On Friday 20 August, the Portuguese Maritime Patrol Aircraft Detachment, based in Seychelles, performed its last flight over the Somali Basin, as part of the EU NAVFOR Task Force.

The crew and the aircraft have now headed back towards Portugal, after 4 months of operating in the Theatre. This was a very active period, during which the aircraft flew 320 hours, with an average of 10 flights per month, each of which lasting on average 9 hours.

In his farewell signal, EU NAVFOR Force Commander Philippe Coindreau stated “As a maritime patrol aircraft pilot myself, I know how demanding your mission was. As you know, air assets are vital in this operation, especially in the Somali Basin where you operated. Your high competence and continuous dedication have made it possible for you to provide us with excellent imagery and reports. Once again thank you on behalf of all the Force, and I wish you a safe trip back home”.

EU NAVFOR Somalia – Operation ATALANTA’s main tasks are to escort merchant vessels carrying humanitarian aid of the World Food Programme (WFP) and vessels of African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). EU NAVFOR furthermore protects vulnerable vessels in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, deters and disrupts piracy. Finally, EU NAVFOR monitors fishing activity off the coast of Somalia.